1. Pro Help

Even if you don’t hire your own personal trainer, if you join a gym, you’ll instantly have access to all kinds of pro tips and help.

There’s the staff, the instructors, and even your fellow gym-goers, all eager to help you do it, and do it right.

2. Best Equipment

Let’s face it: unless you have an unlimited budget, you won’t be able to afford the fabulous workout machine and equipment they have at the gym. If you join a gym, your puny membership fee (sometimes as little as ten dollars a month) will give you access to top-of-the-line equipment in a way you can afford it.

3. Access to Classes

Most reputable gyms also offer classes, some for an extra fee, some included in your membership.

It’s a great way to try something new, from Zumba to spinning to yoga.

4. Workout Place and Time!

I’ve found that even if I mean to set time aside at home, I get distracted.2

There’s laundry and dishes to do, TV to watch… and my workout never happens.

But if I join a gym, I’m much more inclined to get dressed and go.

It really does help to have a time and place to work out, away from home!

5. Encouragement

Aside from the knowledge base joining a gym will provide, your fellow gym members will give you two other helpful services: encouragement and/or guilt.

Disappear for a few days and see what grief your workout buddies will give you when you come back… and the encouragement you might need will be there, too.